British Gallantry Medals of the First World War Victoria Cross (V.C.) (Level 1 Gallantry Award) This is the highest award for gallantry. It is awarded for an act of outstanding courage or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. All ranks were, and still are, eligible when serving with the British and Commonwealth armed forces. The Royal Warrant for the award of the Victoria Cross has essentially remained the same since the inception of the medal to the present day. It was, and still is, awarded “for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.” (1) The Victoria Cross can also be awarded to civilians if they were under military command at the time of the act of bravery. The George Cross (G.C.) is an equivalent award but is made to an individual, military or civilian, who has carried out an act of special courage when not in the face of the enemy. Origin of the Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross was instituted on 29th January 1856.

At the time of the Crimean War (1853-1856) the British military - which consisted of the Royal Navy and the Army - did not have a gallantry medal open to all ranks. The idea was put forward to the British House of Commons by a Member of Parliament and ex-Royal Navy man, Captain T Scobell. It was also suggested as an idea by the then Secretary of State, the Duke of Newcastle. His successor, Lord Panmure, carried on with the correspondence about the new gallantry medal already established with Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was very interested in the medal, especially as it was to be named after her. She preferred the name of “Victoria Cross” to the suggested title of “The Military Order of Victoria”. Victoria involved herself by making suggestions about the design and the metal it could be made of. She was the person who suggested that the design should bear the words “For Valour” instead of the suggested words “For the Brave”. The word “valour” extended a special significance to an act of extra special bravery and courage, which might be considered to be more than an act of “bravery”. Queen Victoria did not like the original copper cross which was submitted for approval.

A suggestion was made to create the medal from the cascabels (the knob and the neck of a breech-loading cannon) of two Russian cannons captured in the Crimea. As has been examined in a recent study(2), the two 18 pounder cannons which were provided for creating the Victoria Cross medals were Chinese in origin, not Russian. One theory is that the guns were captured by the Russians from the Chinese and used against the British Army in the battle at Sevastopol. It has also been suggested that the metal used for the Victoria Crosses cast during the First World War did not come from these two original cannons, but from other Chinese guns captured in the Boxer Rebellion (1898-1901). The Royal Warrant for the Victoria Cross was issued on 29th January 1856. The first investiture ceremony was held a few months later in Hyde Park on 26th June 1856. 62 awards were issued for acts of valour during the Crimean War (1853-1856). There is approximately 10kg of remaining metal from the two cascabels of the original cannons reputed to have come from Sevastopol.

This is stored in a secure vault and can only be taken out of the vault under an armed guard. The same jewellers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for casting the Victoria Cross medal from the first one to the present day. The Crimson Medal Ribbon Until April 1918 the medal ribbon issued with the Victoria Cross medal was red (or crimson) for Army recipients and blue for Navy recipients. When the Royal Air Force was formed on 1st April 1918 it was decided that recipients from all of the three Services should wear the crimson ribbon with the medal. From 22nd May 1920 King George V stated in a warrant that all recipients would wear the crimson ribbon. Recipients in the Royal Navy who had already received the blue ribbon were also to wear the crimson ribbon from then on. Awards of the Victoria Cross in WW1 There were 615 Victoria Crosses awarded during the First World War. WW1 awards of the Victoria Cross were: 415 awarded to the British Army 51 to the Navy and Marines 9 to the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force 140 to the Dominion Forces.

Victoria Cross and Bar Prior to April 1917, if a second award of a Victoria Cross (a Bar) was made to one individual, they were to wear a miniature cross on the ribbon strip to indicate the second award. In an Army Order of April 1917 this was changed so that a miniature cross would be worn on the ribbon strip to indicate the award of the first VC, with another miniature for the second VC award (the Bar). If further awards were issued to that same individual then additional miniature crosses would be worn on the ribbon strip as appropriate. To date there have been no awards of more than two Victoria Crosses to one individual. In the First World War two Victoria Cross recipients were recommended for a second award (a Bar). They were both officers serving with the R.A.M.C.: Lieutenant A Martin-Leake and Captain N G Chavasse, MC. Recommendation for a Victoria Cross A regimental officer will usually make the recommendation and it should be supported by three witnesses. The reigning king or queen will be presented with the recommendation and he or she will sign an approval.

In the event that a group of service personnel in a squadron, detachment or a ship's company should be recommended as equally deserving of a recommendation for the award, a name is drawn by ballot. Posthumous Awards of the Victoria Cross Originally the Royal Warrant for the award did not cover the issue of the award posthumously. Although this was not officially changed in the warrant until after the First World War, a quarter of those recipients who were awarded the Victoria Cross during WW1 were killed as they carried out their deed of valour. Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) (Level 2 Gallantry Award) The D.S.O. was instituted by Royal Warrant on 6th September 1886. The D.S.O. was originally instituted as an award for officers of the British Army and Commonwealth Forces, usually at the rank of Major. It was, however, also awarded to officers at a rank above or below Major. The D.S.O. could be awarded for an act of meritorious or distinguished service in wartime and usually when under fire or in the presence of the enemy.

It was also made available for officers at the equivalent rank in the Royal Navy and, from 1st April 1918, the Royal Air Force. Between 1914 and 1916 the D.S.O. was also awarded to some Staff officers when they were not under fire or in contact with the enemy. This was not well received at the time by officers who were in the field. From 1st January 1917 it was restricted to recommendations for individuals who were in the presence of the enemy. The award was generally given to an officer in command, but some were awarded to junior officers below the rank of Captain. Almost 9,000 D.S.O.s were awarded during the First World War. On 23rd August 1916 a Warrant enabled a recipient to be awarded a Bar for an additional award of the D.S.O. The medal was issued without the name of the recipient being engraved on it, but some medals do bear the name of a recipient engraved on the reverse of the suspension bar. The recipient of a D.S.O. is known as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order and is entitled to use the letters D.S.O. after his name.

Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) (Level 3 Gallantry Award) Instituted 15th June 1901 as the Conspicuous Service Cross and renamed in October 1914 the Distinguished Service Cross. The D.S.C. was awarded to naval officers below the rank of Lieutenant Commander for gallantry at sea in the presence of the enemy. Almost 2,000 D.S.C.s were awarded during the First World War. A bar is awarded for subsequent acts of gallantry. The recipient is entitled to use D.S.C. after their name. Military Cross (M.C.) (Level 3 Gallantry Award) Instituted by Royal Warrant on 28th December 1914. The Military Cross was a decoration for gallantry during active operations in the presence of the enemy. individuals in the British Army, the Indian Army or the Colonial Forces. Commissioned officers with the rank of Captain or below or Warrant Officer were eligible for the award. From June 1917 officers of the rank of captain but who had a temporary rank of major could receive the award. The reverse of the medal was issued plain with no engraving.

Some families and individuals engraved their details at their own expense. From August 1916 an individual could receive one or more Bars to the Military Cross. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the letters M.C. after their name. The Military Cross (M.C.) is the British Army equivalent of the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) and Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). The Military Cross photographed here(3) was awarded to Lieutenant Ewart Alan Mackintosh of the 5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders (51st Highland Division). Lieutenant Mackintosh, MC was the author of the poem ‘In Memoriam’ featured on this website at: (Level 3 Gallantry Award) Instituted on 3rd June 1918. Awarded to officers and warrant officers of the Royal Air Force for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying on active operations against the enemy. A bar is added to the medal ribbon for subsequent acts of valour, for which a subsequent D.F.C. would be awarded. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the letters D.F.C. after their name. The medal was issued with no inscription of the recipient's name.

During the First World War there were about 1,100 D.F.C. awards. It is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C) for acts of valour at sea and the Military Cross (M.C.) for acts of valour on land. This silver medal was designed by the medallist E Carter Preston. He was the winner of the design for the Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. Air Force Cross (A.F.C.) Instituted on 3rd June 1918. The award was given to personnel of the British Armed Forces and other Commonwealth Forces for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying though not in active operations against the enemy. Until after the Second World War Air Force Officers and Warrant Officers were eligible for the award. After the Second World War aviation officers in the Army and Navy were also eligible for the award. From 1993 all ranks were eligible for this award. The medal was designed by the medallist E Carter Preston. He was the winner of the design for the Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. Recipients were entitled to use the letters A.F.C. after their name.

Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) (Level 2 Gallantry Award) Instituted on 4th December 1854. The D.C.M. was the first official medal award to recognise an act of gallantry in the field by a member of the armed forces who was below the rank of officer. It was the other ranks' equivalent of the Distinguished Service Order. The D.C.M. was awarded for gallantry in the field in the face of the enemy. Other ranks in the British Army and also non-commissioned ranks in Commonwealth Forces were eligible for this award. The reverse of the medal bears the inscription “For Distinguished Conduct in the Field”. A bar carrying the date of a subsequent deed could be added to the ribbon until 1916 when the bar was changed to a laurel wreath. A recipient of the award is entitled to used the letters D.C.M. after their name. The D.C.M. was discontinued as an award by the British Armed Forces in 1993, when the three awards of the D.S.O, the D.C.M. and the C.G.M. were replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is now the second level gallantry award for all ranks of the British Armed Forces. Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (C.G.M.) (Level 2 Gallantry Award) First instituted as a Royal Navy medal in 1855 and then fully instituted on 7th July 1874. The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (C.G.M.) was awarded to other ranks for an act of gallantry against the enemy at sea or in the air. The reverse of the medal bears the inscription “For Conspicuous Gallantry”. An additional award for a subsequent deed would entitle the wearer to a silver laurelled bar. A recipient of the award is entitled to used the letters C.G.M. after their name. The C.G.M. is equivalent to the British Army's Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.). Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) (Level 3 Gallantry Award) The D.S.M. was established on 14th October 1914.

It was an award for bravery whilst on active service at sea and was for other ranks' Royal Navy personnel, members of the other Services and other Commonwealth countries who held rank up to and including Chief Petty Officer. On the reverse there was an inscription “For Distinguished Service”. Bars were awarded for subsequent actions and the date of the action during the First World War was given on the reverse of the bar. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the letters D.S.M. after their name. The Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) is equivalent to the Military Medal (M.M.), the Distinguished Flying Medal (D.F.M.) and the Air Force Medal (A.F.M.). Military Medal (M.M.) (Level 3 Gallantry Award) Instituted on 25th March 1916 (and backdated to 1914). The Military Medal was awarded to other ranks of the British Army and Commonwealth Forces. It was an award for gallantry and devotion to duty when under fire in battle on land. On the reverse of the medal is inscribed “For Bravery in the Field”. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the letters M.M. after their name.

The Military Medal is the British Army equivalent of the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.), the Distinguished Flying Medal (D.F.M.) and the Air Force Medal (A.F.M.). Distinguished Flying Medal (D.F.M.) Instituted on 3rd June 1918. Awarded to other ranks of the Royal Air Force for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying on active operations against the enemy. Later it was available to the equivalent ranks in the Army and Royal Navy for acts of valour in the air. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the letters D.F.M. after their name. A subsequent award receives a silver bar with an eagle in the centre of it. It is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) for acts of valour at sea, the Military Medal (M.M.) for acts of valour on land and the Air Force Medal (A.F.M.). The medal was designed by the medallist E Carter Preston. Air Force Medal (A.F.M.) Instituted on 3rd June 1918.

The award was given to personnel of the British Armed Forces and other Commonwealth Forces for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying though not in active operations against the enemy. Other ranks were eligible for the award. Recipients were entitled to use the letters A.F.M. after their name. The Air Force Medal was designed by E Carter Preston. He was the winner of the design for the Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.) Instituted in 1845 (British Army), in 1849 (the Royal Marines), in 1918 (the Royal Air Force) and in 1919 (the Royal Navy). The criteria for eligibility was different for each of the above Services and the number of medals issued was also restricted within each of the Services. Army Originally the award was for meritorious service by Non-Commissioned Officers. Between 1916 and 1919 a Royal Warrant amended the eligibility of the award so that Non-Commissioned Officers could be awarded the M.S.M. in the field. Royal Marines Originally the M.S.M. was awarded for gallantry or distinguished service.

Between 1916 and 1919 Non-Commissioned Officers could be awarded the M.S.M. in the field. Royal Air Force The M.S.M. was awarded for meritorious service by ground crew. Royal Navy The M.S.M was awarded for gallantry not in the face of the enemy and for meritorious service by petty officers and senior naval ratings. Mentioned in Despatches (M.I.D.) “Mentioned in Despatches” is not an award of a medal, but as a commendation of an act of gallantry it is included in this listing. To be “Mentioned in Despatches” is when an individual is mentioned by name and commended for having carried out an noteworthy act of gallantry or service. A Despatch is an official report written by the senior commander of an army in the field. It would give details of the conduct of the military operations being carried out. From the time of the Boer War the Despatches were published in the London Gazette in full or in part. The phrase “Mentioned in Despatches” was used for the first time in a newspaper article by Winston Churchill (Morning Post, 6th October 1898) (4).

An individual could be mentioned in despatches more than once. As with the Victoria Cross, this commendation for an act of gallantry could be made posthumously. In 1919 Army Order 166/1919 confirmed that individuals “Mentioned in Despatches” would receive a certificate. This included personnel of the British Navy, Army and Air Force, and Indian Dominion, Colonial, Egyptian Forces and members of the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., Y.W.C.A. and British civilians male and female. In 1920 Army Order 3/1920 authorized the issue of an emblem to signify that an individual had been “Mentioned in Despatches” between 4th August 1914 and 10th August 1920. A bronze oak leaf was issued and could be worn on the ribbon of the British Victory Medal. British Victory Medal M.I.D. Listing Individuals who are Mentioned in Despatches are listed in The London Gazette.

The Gazette can be searched online: Website: 2nd Lieutenant Mackay The Oak Leaf in the photograph(5) was awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Mackay of the 5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders (51st Highland Division). He had accompanied Lieutenant E A Mackintosh, MC on a raid into the enemy trenches which had been the inspiration for Mackintosh's poem ‘In Memoriam’. Inspiration for poem “In Memoriam” Citation for a Gallantry Award A citation is a brief report providing details of the deed for which an award for gallantry has been granted to an individual. A recommendation for a gallantry award was usually given by a commanding officer using Army Form W3121. When the award was granted these details were generally used to create the citation for the award. Unfortunately almost all the recommendation forms W3121 from the First World War were destroyed in enemy bombing in the Second World War. The award of a gallantry or distinguished service medal and a Mention in Despatches was published in The London Gazette. However, only some of the announcements were printed with their citation.

The following gallantry awards were, however, listed with a citation: The Victoria Cross (V.C.), the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.), the Military Cross (M.C.) and the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.). For information on where to find records of medals and citations see our page at: Gallantry Medals Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air Allied Subjects' Medal In November 1920, it was decided that deeds such as assisting escaped British POWs, would be recognised by the award of a medal. This 36-mm diameter silver or bronze medal, was suspended from a red ribbon; the ribbon has a blue centre with stripes of yellow, black and white on either side of this central stripe (the French and Belgian national colours). The obverse side has the effigy of King George V. The reverse side has the female figure of humanity offering a resting soldier a cup. A total of 56 silver and 247 bronze medals were issued in the period 1920 to 1922. King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom On 23 August 1945 the King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom was introduced.

This 36-mm diameter silver medal was introduced to recognise the acts of courage performed by foreign civilians or military personnel, in the furtherance of the British and Commonwealth cause during World War Two. The obverse side has an effigy of King George VI, whilst the reversie side has the text "King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom". The ribbon is white with two narrow blue stripes in the centre and wide red stripes along each edge. Altogether 3200 medals were issued. King's Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom The King's Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedomwas introduced on 23 August 1945. Whereas the "King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom" was intended to recognise acts of gallantry, this medal was intended to recognise less hazardous activities such as fund-raising for the Allied cause. This 36-mm silver medal was worn from a white ribbon, that had a central red stripe flanked by blue stripes. The obverse side had an effigy of King George VI, with the reverse side displayed a medival warrior receiving norishment. Altogether 2490 medals were issued.

Military Gallantry Awards The following table list the military gallantry medals for each service. These are the entitlements that applied during the two world wars and up to 1993. NAVY - - The Royal Air Force was created as a separate service on 1 April 1918. Before this date, air force personnel were either members of the Royal Flying Corps RFC (part of the Army and eligible for Army awards) or the Royal Naval Air Service RNAS (part of the Royal Navy and eligible for Navy awards). It was possible for personnel from one service to win a gallantry medal from another service. For example, an Army soldier who was serving abroad a Royal Navy ship could win a Royal Navy award. This situation occurred with the posthumous award of a CGM (Navy) to Staff Sergeant James Prescott, Corps of Royal Engineers. On 22nd May 1982 Staff Sergeant Prescott under the command of another NCO of 49 Engineer Explosives Disposal Squadron Royal Engineers were carrying out explosive ordnance disposal duties in the Falkland Islands. They were tasked to deal with an unexploded bomb in the boiler room of HMS ARGONAUT.

Another unexploded bomb lay in a flooded missile magazine nearby. Working in extraordinarily cramped conditions and in very unfamiliar surroundings Staff Sergeant Prescott and the other NCO successfully remotely rendered safe the bomb which was later removed from the ship. This action enabled the damage to the boiler room to be repaired, so that HMS ARGONAUT regained propulsion and was able to manoeuvre defensively in further air attacks. On 23rd May 1982 Staff Sergeant Prescott and the NCO were tasked to neutralise two unexploded bombs in HMS ANTELOPE. The first bomb examined could not be approached until extensive clearance of debris had taken place. They therefore set about rendering safe the second bomb which was situated near the centre of the ship. The bomb had been slightly damaged and was assessed as being in a dangerous condition. They tried three times to render the bomb safe using a remote method, having to approach the bomb after each attempt to adjust the equipment, but on each occasion, the fuse could not be withdrawn. After a fourth attempt, which involved using a small charge, the bomb unexpectedly exploded. The blast was considerable.

Despite a blast route of open doors and hatches up through the ship, the fully clipped steel door at the forward end of the passageway, where the bomb disposal team was standing, was completely blow off and nearly bent double. Staff Sergeant Prescott died instantly. In 1993, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) was introduced. This medal replaces the DSO (when awarded for gallantry), the DCM, CGM (Navy) and CGM (RAF). The intension was to remove the distinction between officer and other ranks; concentrating on the act of gallantry performed without regard to the recipient's rank (which has always been the case with the Victoria Cross). Also following the 1993 review, the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Military Medal (MM), Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) and Air Force Medal (AFM) have all been discontinued. The 1993 UK military gallantry award system is reflected in the following table. NAVY MID - *The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) can be awarded for "Leadership Qualities" by all ranks. It is not awarded posthumously.

Once a service person has won an award, and they went on to perform another act of bravery they could be award the same medal again. For the second and any subsequent award of the same medal, they would receive a bar to wear across the ribbon of the first gallantry medal. For example, if a soldier had a CGC and Bar, he had won 'two' CGCs and would wear a metal bar across the ribbon of his first CGC. All awards of these medals are published in the London Gazette. Large reference libraries, such as The Guildhall Library, City of London, have copies of the London Gazette newspaper on microfilm. You would need to consult the index to locate the relevant microfilm roll. Some of these awards list just the recipient's service details (number, rank, name, unit). Other entries have citations which provide details about the acts performed. The Mention-in-Despatches (MID) was awarded for acts which were judged of sufficient merit to be officially mentioned in the despatches sent by the officer, commanding a theatre of operation, back to the War Office in London. The War Office is the forerunner of the current UK Ministry of Defence. The MID is a gallantry award.

It is now the longest continuous British gallantry award for military personnel, and can be awarded posthumously (as it was in the Sierra Leone operation to Bombardier Brad Tinnion). Distinguished Service Order (DSO) The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was instituted in 1886. Following various 19th Century campaigns, it was realised that no adequate award for distinguished service was available to junior officers apart from the VC and, in the case of Majors and above, the CB. Since 1886 the basic design has remained the same apart from the obverse central crown and the reverse royal cypher, which changes with each sovereign. It is not awarded to civilians, although officers of the Merchant Navy can qualify during time of war. The DSO is open to junior officers of all three services. Following the 1993 review this medal is now awarded for leadership services; its gallantry purpose now being in the remit of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC). The DSO is now open to all ranks and as with other orders it can't be awarded posthumously.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) The CGC is a cross (maximum width of 36 millimetres) imposed on a wreath of laurel, with the royal crown in a circular panel in the centre. The medal is suspended from a white (with blue edges and red centre stripe) ribbon. The first recipient of the CGC was in 1995. It was awarded to Corporal Wayne Mills (Duke of Wellington's Regiment) for gallantry in Bosnia while serving with the UN Peacekeeping Force. The CGC resulted from the 1993 review of gallantry medals below the Victoria Cross. It was decided to remove the factor of a recipient's rank influencing the medal awarded. To this end, the CGC replaced the DSO (when awarded for gallantry), the DCM and both types of CGM (Naval and RAF). Royal Navy (RN) Medals This section describes the gallantry medals which are applicable to the Royal Navy, including the Royal Marines. These are the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM), Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and Distinguished Service Medal (DSM).

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) The CGM was instituted in 1855 as a reward for gallantry for the Royal Navy. The first issues was made to recipients for gallantry in the Baltic and Crimea. After a lull of some 18 years, the medal was re-instituted in 1874 with a batch of awards for Ashantee. From this date the medal was issued with the following obverses: Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI. About 50 of the second Victoria issue were awarded, with 2 Edward VII medals, 110 George V issues, and 72 George VI issues. There is only one instance of someone winning a bar to his CGM. In 1943 the CGM was extended to the RAF to recognise gallantry whilst flying in operations against the enemy. A total of 103 RAF CGMs were awarded during World War Two. From 1901, nearly all CGMs have citations in the London Gazette. Following the 1993 review this medal has been replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) Instituted in June 1901 as reward for Warrant and Subordinate officers of the Royal Navy. In October 1914, the rules on eligibility were changed to so that all officers were eligible for the DSC. In 1931 the Merchant Navy officers were eligible in certain situations. From 1940, the year of its award is engraved on the lower part of the cross. During World War One approximately 1700 DSCs were awarded, with about 90 first bars and 10 second bars. In World War Two, approximately 4500 DSCs were awarded, with 430 first and 44 second bars. One medal was issued with three bars; the equivalent of being awarded the DSC four times. Since 1993, this medal can be awarded to all qualifying Royal Navy ranks.

Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) Instituted in October 1914 to supplement the CGM, and was to be awarded for act of bravery which were deemed not sufficient for the award of the CGM.During World War Two, eligibility was extended to Army and RAF personnel serving on board ship, and to the Merchant and Dominion Navies. All DSMs are issued named to the recipient, the details are impressed (World War I), engraved or impressed (World War II) around the medal's rim.4,100 DSMs were issued during World War I, with 67 first bars and 2 second bars. In World War II, approximately 7,100 DSMs were issued, with 152 first bars and 3 second bars. One DSM was issued with 3 bars. About 50 DSMs were issued, during World War II, to the Maritime Royal Artillery, and 23 to the RAF. Although awards are just listed in the London Gazette, with no citations, a complete list of all recipients has been produced by W.H. Fevyer and published by J.B. Hayward and Son in two volumes.

Following the 1993 review this medal has been replaced by the Distinguished Service Cross, which is now available to all ranks. British Army Medals This section describes the gallantry medals which are applicable to the Army. These are the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), Military Cross (MC) and Military Medal (MM). Since the 1993 review, only the MC is still applicable. Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) The DCM was instituted in 1854 to recognise "distinguished, gallant and good conduct" by troops in the Crimea. All DCMs are issued named to the recipient, usually with impressed details around the medal's rim. Nearly 25,000 DCMs were issued during World War I, compared to 1,900 for acts during World War II. The majority of World War I DCMs have citations in the London Gazette. Since 1939, DCMs are listed in the London Gazette but don't have citations. Full details of DCMs awarded up to 1914 can be found in the book "The Distinguished Conduct Medal" by P.E. Abbott, published by J.B.

Hayward & Son. DCMs awarded during World War I can be found in a similar publication by R.W. Walker, but no citations are provided. Contrary to what may be implied by the term "Distinguished Conduct ..." it should be remembered that this medal was, for NCOs and other ranks, second only to the Victoria Cross. Following the 1993 review this medal has been replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. Military Cross (MC) The MC was instituted in December 1914 as a reward for gallantry for officers of the rank of Captain or below, and for Warrant Officers. Officers over the rank of Captain (Major and above) were eligible for the DSO. From 1940, the date of the award is engraved on the lower part of the cross. In World War I there were 37,000 MCs awarded, with 3000 first bars, 170 second bars and 4 third bars. During World War II, approximately 10,000 MCs were awarded and 500 first bars. All awards of the MC are listed in the London Gazette. Citations exist for the First World War awards.

Since 1993, this medal can be awarded to all qualifying Army ranks. Military Medal (MM) The MM was instituted in March 1916 as an award for non-officer rank of the Army for acts of bravery. In the First World War the MM was awarded to a few recipients from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Some RAF personnel were awarded the MM during World War II. All MMs are issued named with the recipient's details impressed around the medal's rim. During World War I, 115,000 MMs were awarded, with 5,800 first bars and 180 second bars. There was 1 award of the MM and 3 bars. World War II saw the award of 15,000 MMs with 164 first bars and 2 second bars. Although all MMs awarded are listed in the London Gazette, the First World War MMs don't have citations. The Second World War MMs generally do have citations. Following the 1993 review this medal has been replaced by the Military Cross, which is now available to all ranks.

Royal Air Force (RAF) Medals This section describes the gallantry medals which are applicable to the Royal Air Force. These are the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM). These medal are only awarded for bravery in operational flying. The Air Force Cross (AFC) and Air Force Medal (AFM) were awarded for bravery in non-operational flying. The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for the Royal Air Force is identical to the Royal Navy CGM, except the colour of the ribbon worn with the medal. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) The DFC was instituted in 1918 as an award to officers and warrant officers who displayed courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations. During World War I, a total of approximately 1,100 DFCs were awarded, with 70 first bars and 3 second bars. During World War II, approximately 20,000 DFCs were awarded (the most of any award), with approximately 1,500 first bars and 42 second bars.

Second World War DFCs have the year of issue engraved on the reverse of the bottom section of the cross. Citations are generally available in the London Gazette for the Second World War DFCs. Some of the First World War DFCs also have citations. Since 1993, this medal can be awarded to all qualifying RAF ranks. Air Force Cross (AFC) The AFC was instituted in June 1918 as an award to officers and warrant officers for courage or devotion to duty while flying, though not in active operations against the enemy. It was not officially named (as other officer's medals). During World War I, approximately 680 were awarded. During World War II, approximately 2,000. Generally there are no citations in the London Gazette, although there can be indications of the nature of the recipient's service which lead to the AFC being awarded. Since 1993, this medal can be awarded to all qualifying RAF ranks. Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) The DFM was instituted together with the DFC in 1918, and was awarded to NCOs and men for bravery whilst flying on operations against the enemy.

All DFMs were named with the recipient's details around the rim of the medal. The World War One medals had the details impressed. The Second World War DFMs had the details engraved. During World War I, approximately 105 DFMs were awarded, with 2 first award bars. During World War II, approximately 6,000 DFMs were awarded, with 60 first award bars and 2 second award bars. All the DFM awards are listed in the London Gazette. A few of the First World War entries have a citation. The majority of Second World War DFM awards have citations. Following the 1993 review this medal has been replaced by the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is now available to all ranks. Air Force Medal (AFM) The AFM was instituted, with the AFC, in June 1918, and was awarded to NCOs and men for courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy. All AFMs are name: large capitals during World War One or engraved during World War Two.

Approximately 120 AFMs and 2 bars were issued during World War One, and 259 AFMs issued during World War Two. The vast majority of AFMs are listed in the London Gazette with no citation. Following the 1993 review this medal has been replaced by the Air Force Cross, which is now available to all ranks. Medals Medals Pre WW1 Queen's South Africa Medal Awarded to Commonwealth Troops who served in South Africa between October 11th, 1899 and May 31st, 1902. King's South Africa Medal Awarded to Commonwealth Troops who participated in the Boer War in South Africa and completed 18 months service before June 1st, 1902 South Africa Pair - Q.S.A + K.S.A A combination of the Queen's South Africa Medal and the King's South Africa Medal. The Medal Bars displayed on the ribbons of this example are a sample only - and the number of bars will differ for each medal recipient. Queen's S.A. Medal + WW1 Trio Combination of the Queen's South Africa Medal + the World War One Trio. King's S.A.

Medal + WW1 Trio Combination of the King's South Africa Medal + the World War One Trio. Q.S.A + K.S.A + WW1 Trio Combination of the Boer War Pair + the World War One Trio. Q.S.A + World War 1 Pair Combination of the Q.S.A + the First World War British War Medal and Victory Medal. Queen's South Africa Medal + World War 1 Victory Medal Combination of the Q.S.A and the First World War Victory Medal. China Medal (of 1900) a.k.a 'Boxer Rebellion' Medal The China Medal, features Queen Victoria and the year 1900 on the reverse side. New Zealand War Medal 1860-1866 (Service Medal) Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal with Edward VII effigy. Bears the script "For Long Service in the Colonial Auxiliary Forces" on the reverse side. The Crimea Medal (with Sebastopol Clasp) 1854-1856 Indian Mutiny Medal (Campaign Medal between 1857 - 1858) The Indian Mutiny Medal was establised in 1858.

It was eligible to Officers and enlisted men of British and Indian units who served in operations against the muntineers. This particular example bears the "Lucknow" and "Relief of Lucknow" clasps. Military General Service Medal 1793-1814 Queens Sudan Medal 1896 - 1898 (Egypt - Sudan) The medal was issued to troops involved in the British operations into Sudan, in a forced expansion of the Empire expansion to the south from the Egypt protectorate. WW1 1914 Mons Star It's correct name being the "1914 Star" it was commonly referred to as the Mons Star. Awarded to those who served in either the British Expeditionaly Force or Indian Expeditionary Force between the 5th August and the 22nd/23rd November, 1914 in France or Belgium. 1914-1915 Star Awarded to early volunteers of the British Commonwealth who served in any theatre of war between 5th August & 31st December, 1915. Those who qualified for the "Mons Star" did not receive the 1914/15 Star.

British War Medal Granted to all who served between the 5th August 1914 through to 1920 (service in Russia & in Mine clearing) This medal may have been awarded singly or combined with other WW1 Medals. Mercantile Marine War Medal Awarded to members of the Merchant Navy who completed one voyage or more through a war zone or designated danger area. This medal was awarded by the Board of Trade. First World War Victory Medal Awarded to those who mobilised in any service and entered a theatre of war between the 5th August 1914 & 11th November 1918. (As well as certain Naval activities to 1920) Issued to those who received the 1914 Star & the 1914/15 Star; as well as most who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded singly. Territorial Force War Medal Awarded to Territorial Force members, who had completed four years service before the 30th of September, 1914 - and who served outside of Britain between the outbreak of the Great War and Armistice Day.

Those who qualified for the 'Mons' Star or the 1914-1915 Star did not qualify for this award. Territorial Force Efficiency Medal WW2 1939-1945 Star The 1939-45 Star was awarded for operational service between the 3rd September 1939 & the 2nd September 1945. Certain conditions for eligibility applied to the three respective services with regards to time served. Atlantic Star Awarded for six months service afloat in the Atlantic or in home waters from the period 3rd September 1939 to 8th May 1945. Certain aircrew were also eligible under certain circumstances - as were Merchant Navy personnel. Aircrew Europe Star Awarded to Commonwealth Aircrew who participated in operational flights over Europe - from U.K. bases. Two months operational flying was required between 3rd Sept 1939 and 5th June 1945. Africa Star Awarded for a minimum of 1 day service in an operational area of North Africa between the 10th June 1940 and the 12th May 1943.

Members of the AIF qualified for the star for service in Syria from the 8th June 1941 and 11th July 1941. Pacific Star Awarded for operational service in the Pacific theatre between the 8th December 1941 & 2nd September 1945. Also for specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra during certain dates. Burma Star Awarded for service in the Burma campaign between the 11th December 1941 & 2nd September 1945. It was also awarded for certain specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra between certain dates. Italy Star Awarded for operational service on land in Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Pantelleria, the Agean area & Dodecanese Islands, and Elba at any time between 11th June 1943 & 8th May 1945. Eligibility requirements varied for Royal Navy, Merchant Navy & Air Force personnel.

France and Germany Star Awarded for operational service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands & Germany from 6th June 1944 to 8th May 1945. Qualifying sea areas applied, provided such service was directly in support of land operations in the above mentioned countries. Defence Medal Awarded for service in WW2 to recognise both Military & some types of civilian service. Qualifying time peried within the U.K. constituted 1080 days and certain time spent overseas varied between 180 to 360 days under certain circumstances. 1939-1945 War Medal Awarded for service in the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines full-time for at least 28 days between the 3rd September 1939 & 2nd September 1945. With regards the Merchant Navy, 28 days must have been served at sea. 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal Introduced in 1949 as a back award for service in operational areas. Approximately 211,500 medals were awarded.

Australian Pair A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Australian Four (Pacific, Defence) A combination of the Pacific Star, The Defence Medal, the 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal Australian Five (Africa & Pacific) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal. Australian Five (Africa & Italy) A combination of the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal. Australian Five (Africa Star & Defence) A combination of the 39-45 Star, the Africa Medal, Defence Medal, 39-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal. Australian Five (Africa,Pacific,Def) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal and the Australian Service Medal.

Australian Five (Pacific,Defence) A combination of the 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Australian Six Combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal. Canadian M.M. Group M.M + WW1 Trio + Defence Medal A combination of the Military Medal, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and the WW2 Defence Medal. WW1 Trio + WW2 Aust Pair A combination of the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, Victory Medal + the 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal. Constabulary Long Service A combination of the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, WW2 Defence Medal & the Constabulary Long Service Medal. Australian 4 + Naval Reserve Long Serv.

Medal A combination of the 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, 39-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal & the Naval Reserve Long Service Medal. WW2 U.K. Combinations A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Four (Africa,Defence) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Four (Italy,Defence) A combination of the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Four - (Burma,Defence) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, the Burma Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K.

Four - (France/Germany) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, the France & Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Four (Africa,Pacific) A combination of the Africa Star, the Pacific Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Five (Atlantic,Africa) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Five (Atlantic,Pacific,Italy) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, Italy Star and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Five (Atlan,Italy,Def) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K.

Five (Afr,Pac,Def) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. U.K. Five (Afr,Italy,Def) A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. Commonwealth WW2 Medals Awarded for voluntary service outside the Republic of South Africa during the 1939-1945 War. New Zealand Service Medal South African Five (Africa & Italy) A combination of the 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal, South African War Medal. Post WW2 The Korea Medal Awarded for service with an Operational Unit in Korea for a minimum of one day. Period of eligibility between the 1st of July, 1950 and 27th of July, 1953.

United Nations Service Medal For Korea Awarded for service with an Operational Unit in Korea between the dates of the 27th of June, 1950 and the 26th of July, 1954. Korean War Pair A combination of the Vietnam Medal, the Australian Active Service Medal and the Vietnamese Medal. Other Medal Type Victoria Cross The V.C.is the highest award for valour in the face of the enemy and takes precedence over all other medals. Only 1,356 have been awarded to 1,353 recipients. Distinguished Service Order Instituted in September 1886 and typically awarded to officers ranked Major (it's equivalent) or higher - it was established to award individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war. Conspicuous Gallantry Medal This medal was the "other ranks" equivalent of the D.S.O. It was replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in 1993. The Air Force equivalent had a blue centre ribbon as opposed to the grey shown here. Conspicuous Gallantry Cross Instituted after 1993, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross replaced the D.C.M and the C.G.M.

It also replaced the D.S.O in it's role as an award for gallantry to officers. The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross now serves as the second level award for gallantry for all ranks for all armed forces. Distinguished Service Cross (Australia) This Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force for "distinguished command and leadership in action". It was introduced in 1991 and replaced the Imperial equivalent. To this date, only 31 have been awarded. Military Cross Created in 1914, initially for officers of the rank of Captain and below - and later extended to the rank of Major. Since 1993 - it is issued to all ranks It is awarded in recognition of "gallantry during active operations against the enemy" and is the third level military decoration. Distinguished Flying Cross Established in June 1918, it is awarded to personnel of the U.K's Royal Air Force and other services. Also previously awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries for 'an act of valour', courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.

Distinguished Flying Medal Military Medal Established in March 1916 it was awarded for Bravery in battle on land. It is the "other ranks" equivalent to the Military Cross. It was discontinued in 1993 and since then - all recipient ranks receive the M.C. so that no distinguishment is made, based on rank. Distinguished Conduct Medal Instituted in 1854 to recognise gallantry in "other ranks" it was almost always regarded as a 'near miss' for the Victoria Cross. The equivalent medal for Commissioned Officers is the Distinguished Service Order. It was replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in 1993. British Empire Medal

Question: Which British medal now ranks second to the V.C.
Answer: The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross